By Nazima Haji
Peter William Ayliffe Thould, "Pete", began his career in healthcare with a genuine desire to make a difference in people’s lives.
He trained as a Therapeutic Radiographer at Charterhouse College of Radiography, undertaking his clinical placements at St Bartholomew’s Hospital between 1990 and 1993. It was during this time that Pete’s passion for patient care and his deep respect for the profession first became evident.
After qualifying, Pete joined St Bartholomew's Hospital in 1993, where he worked as a Therapeutic Radiographer before progressing to the Senior II grade. He went on to hold a senior role at the Royal Marsden Hospital from 1996 to 1999, followed by a position at UCLH Middlesex from 1999 to 2000, and then a return to St Bartholomew's Hospital from 2000 to 2005.
'Heard, respected, and genuinely cared for'
Known even then for his calm, reassuring presence and natural kindness, Pete quickly became recognised not just for his technical skill, but for the way he made patients feel heard, respected, and genuinely cared for.
His colleagues remember him as someone who brought both competence and compassion to every encounter, and whose love for his work radiated through everything he did.
It was at St Bartholomew’s Hospital that he met his wife, Caroline, when working together as fellow Therapeutic Radiographers. This was the beginning of a lifelong partnership built on shared values and a love for caring for others.
In 2005, Pete rejoined UCLH as a superintendent Therapeutic Radiographer, a role he fulfilled with kindness, integrity, and professionalism for 20 years. Pete’s legacy in radiotherapy is marked by numerous achievements. He was a committed mentor and a passionate advocate for nurturing the careers of students and radiotherapy professionals, several of whom went on to become senior leaders in the field. His generosity with his time, knowledge, and experience left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
'Supportive, encouraging, and endlessly present'
Known for his dry sense of humour, Pete could always lighten the mood, even during the busiest or most stressful moments. Colleagues fondly remember his quick wit and the way a shared laugh helped build strong, supportive teams. His love of chocolate was legendary and the habit of sharing it with others was a small but meaningful way he showed care and solidarity throughout the shift.
Beyond his professional life, Pete was known for his love of carpentry, DIY and for generously volunteering his time to support his local community. He found great satisfaction in building and fixing things, not just in a practical sense, but in the quiet, purposeful way he improved the lives of those around him.
A devoted family man, Pete often spoke with deep pride about his wife and three children, who were truly the centre of his world. He was a proud parent in every sense: supportive, encouraging, and endlessly present in their lives.
Pete will be remembered not only as a dedicated radiographer and mentor, but also as a compassionate individual who consistently placed the wellbeing of staff and patients at the heart of everything he did.
A beautiful Thanksgiving and Celebration of Life service was held in Pete’s honour on Saturday 12 July 2025, at St Peter and St Paul Church, Flitwick, surrounded by the love and support of his many friends and family.
(Image: Peter Thould)